ProBuilt Homes was named Renovator of the Year by the Greater Toronto Home Builders’ Association at an awards ceremony held last night in Toronto.

The coveted award goes to the company whose leadership helps raise the standard for all renovators and whose efforts improve the public image of renovators in the Greater Toronto Area. The award reflects how well the renovator performed as a professional, meeting the needs and expectations of customers while contributing to the industry.

Customers offered several impressive testimonials about ProBuilt going the extra mile. One noted that ProBuilt revamped its quote several times to meet their budget. Another said, "They insisted that we walk through the site together before they submitted a quote." Another customer found that ProBuilt "had the same commitment to the project that we did."

ProBuilt’s president, Michael Upshall, is a member of the GTHBA board of directors, participates in renovator committees, gives speeches to Toronto homeowners about renovation, and has taken part in the popular "Interview a Renovator" sessions at various GTA home shows.

Home Editions Ltd. won for best renovation over $150,000 for a two-storey shingle-style addition. The clients wanted a larger and modern kitchen with an eating area, room for a future baby grand piano, and a large master bedroom with an ensuite washroom and improved storage.

The addition across the rear of the house provides plenty of new floor space plus main floor views to the garden from three pairs of terrace doors set in a gently curving wall. The master bedroom is highlighted by a dramatic barrel vaulted ceiling, a curved balcony and new custom cabinetry for storage.

Home Editions Ltd. also took home the award for best renovation $75,000 to $100,000 for the addition of a second-floor dormer in place of an unusable solarium. The project met the client’s need for a den, enlarged and updated bathroom and walk-in closet with seasonal storage.

The master bedroom now boasts a loft storage area accessed by a rolling library ladder, two-storey bookcases and a generous custom walk-in closet. The luxurious bathroom features a frameless glass shower, a whirlpool tub and a dramatic pyramidal ceiling and stain glass windows.

Canada Link Design Build Inc. won for best renovation under $75,000 for transforming an odd-sized kitchen into a central gathering point for family and guests. The new kitchen features a walkout to the backyard and views to a ravine and swimming pool. Adding wine storage, a bar and a corner sink increased the kitchen’s versatility for entertaining.

Legend Homes won for best custom home for building a 5,500 sq. ft. French country design in Mississauga. The home features natural stone, cedar, stucco, wood windows, copper roof details, extensive wood detailing and complete landscaping.

The design of the house meets Mississuaga’s urban design requirements, the functional needs of the client, and the style of the surrounding neighbourhood. A particular challenge was retaining mature trees.

The GTHBA aims to help consumers contemplating renovations or additions through its RenoMark program, which identifies professional renovators who are members, and publication of the RenoGuide, a free pamphlet that offers advice on trouble-free renovations.